the United States troops, then west to a large oak marked H, near 

 Indian trail, then west to Main Street in Pontiac Village, then to the 

 end of Main Street." 



WHIPPING TREE AT PEEKSKILL 



An oak of old-time associations, that is still flourishing, is the 

 "Whipping Tree" at Peekskill, N. Y. Beneath it, strenuous correc- 

 tion was administered in Revoluntionary times to deserters from the 

 American cause. The tree is situated in a wide field adjoining the 

 grounds of the Van Cortland Manor-House, Washington's headquar- 

 ters when he was in Peekskill. Here Lafayette, Rochambeau, Baron 

 Von Steuben and other famous soldiers were entertained. Pierre 

 Van Cortland, the owner, was Lieutenant- Governor from 1777 to 

 1795, and acting-Marshal of the Equestrian Provincial Congress, 

 which Congress was more than once obliged to hold its sessions on 

 horseback, and legislate to meet emergencies. He also served as 

 President of the Convention that was responsible for the new Federal 

 constitution of 1781. 



Two OAKS THAT OWN THEMSELVES 



A fine old oak, near the town of Athens, Ga., fell heir, about a 

 century ago, to sufficient land to protect it from invasion as long as 

 Nature shall permit it to stand. In the Town Clerk's office is recorded 

 the deed dated in 1820, by which its owner, the Hon. W. H. Jackson, 

 "for and in consideration of the great affection which he bears said 

 tree, and his desire to see it protected, has conveyed and by these 

 presents does convey unto the said tree entire possession of itself, and 

 'the land within eight feet of it on all sides." Thus insured against any 

 encroachment upon its rights, the old oak flourishes, today, its age 

 exceeding three hundred and fifty years, and is a tree of noble propor- 

 tions. On a tablet under its branches is inscribed a quotation from the 

 deed. By virtue of being the first tree distinguished as a landowner it 

 seems fully entitled to rank as historic. 



An oak of California, that is claimed to rival in size the Sir 

 Joseph Hooker oak at Chico in the same State, is fortunate in having 

 been liberally provided for by Mr. A. E. Wiltse, of New York City, 

 who has set apart forty acres surrounding the tree, in order that it may 

 be preserved for generations. The oak has a circumference of thirty- 

 one feet, and shades a radius of one hundred and thirty feet. Its age 

 is estimated at from six hundred to seven hundred years. 



INDIAN OAK 



Maple Hill, Geneva, N. Y., the beautiful estate where Lafayette 

 was entertained in 1825, possesses seven acres of ancient forest trees 

 known as Sylvan Grove. One of these trees, called Indian Oak, was a 

 favorite meeting place of Chief Red Jacket and his companions. 



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